I have been toying with the idea of forming some kind of organization where all the little guys who
make boards "IN" Australia can communicate their success stories and failures with regards to
building decks for themselves or for sale to others. A chance to pass on knowledge to younger Skaters
who want to try and build there own decks but aren’t sure where to start. An organization where ideas
can be discussed with similar people with the same passion for Skateboard construction and design.

Anyone interested or has any suggestions I would appreciate it.
PM me if you prefer.

Karl,
There are plenty out there that have tried to suceed, but unfortunatley most have failed due to costs of manufacturing.
Great idea on setting up some sort of association to help out people.
A good person to get in touch with would be Flaz (Tom Flaherty) he started making boards back in the 90's and only recently stoped.
I am up for purchasing Aust made stuff, but alot of people wont buy it as cheap imports cost half the price.
I was in China a few years ago and met up with a aussie guy who is running a skateboard manufacturing business, he sells not bad quality boards for $5 US, I got about 10 off him.

I remember Burford blanks and Primate Blanks, both were great aussie boards. Maybe Johnny could have some input.

You might want to set guidlines as you will get people bringing in china imports and then screening them here saying they are aussie made boards (just a thought).

Hey Taras,
Cary Pogson has been doing OMNI skateboard's for 21 years and has sponsored the best of oz skating over those said 21 years and is still supporting some of there best.
A support group of core board-maker's would only help our scene!!!
www.omniskate.com.au

Yeh Moris,
Totally agree with Omni, and there are plenty more to add.
- ATS
- Bonzer
- Kernow
- Cockroach
- Coretech
- Borgy
- Badlands
- Reflex (though they were more commercial)
No doubt there are more to add to the list.
It would be great if some of the guys from the past could get to gether to have an input and share info.

About mass production in China and elsewhere...the people most threatened by this are those making gear that is bog-standard and easily copyable. Cutting-edge and innovative gear will usually be able to stay ahead of the cheap knock-offs.

This is great input, thanks guys, and i think I may look further into this idea as i think it has a significant part to play
in Aussie Skating history and essential for the future of the sport.

Hey Taras, I ve been making my own boards since 1974, apart from when i stopped skating around 1983,
started making them again in the late 90's for my boys. I have never bought a board in my life, and have
only ever ridden my own decks apart from the one my mum gave me when i was 13 (condor lol).
That said I would consider an Aussie made deck, if it was made of All Aussie Timber (like this one)
I get sick of people saying how great Rock Maple is when there is plenty of other timber out there to choose from.
Go Aussie grown and made.

Karl im proud to say that i only have bought 3 decks in my life, 2 when i first started skating and one on my return almost 5 years ago. It just doesnt seem right any other way. As for Aussie wood, there is a stack to choose from, but gee its hard to make anyone understand that it still great to ride. 100% Aussie against a pretty colored Chinese Pro model.... hmmm we loose every time, and that goes for 90% in this forum. Although i do use Canadian Maple i still kinda feel that i am cheating myself a little but i can live with it. The process of making a deck is pure hard work, enjoyable and rewarding but hard work. You put all your heart and soul into just one board and the Chinaman keeps on spiting them out one after the other.
Am i having a whinge? Think ill sit back down.
I havent cut a board out for months until yesterday, and i realized how much ive missed it. BTS is back in the shed!